Coventry investigate fan taunt using Bradley Lowery photo against Sunderland

Coventry are investigating a supporter who appeared to use a photo of deceased Sunderland fan Bradley Lowery to taunt opposing supporters during Saturday's 3-1 win.

Coventry City are investigating footage from their 3-1 Premier League victory over Sunderland on Saturday, which appears to show a home supporter using a photograph of Bradley Lowery to taunt Black Cats fans. Lowery, a Sunderland supporter who died of neuroblastoma aged six in 2017, became the club's mascot and formed a close friendship with striker Jermaine Defoe during his cancer battle.

The video, widely shared on social media, shows a young spectator in Coventry's home end appearing to point at a picture of Lowery displayed on his phone while smirking. Coventry City released a statement saying: "The club does not tolerate offensive behaviour and will liaise with the relevant authorities to determine the appropriate course of action."

Lowery's mother, Gemma, issued an emotional statement through the Bradley Lowery Foundation on Sunday, describing the incident as heartbreaking. She said her son "deserves to be remembered with love, not hate" and called for the young supporter's family to help him understand the hurt caused by his actions. A Sheffield Wednesday supporter received a suspended 12-month prison sentence in 2023 for a similar incident involving Lowery's memory.